Home Gaming FFD: Are you going to rAge this year, or would you rather get in the sea?

FFD: Are you going to rAge this year, or would you rather get in the sea?

1 min read
111

GITFS

It’s that time of the year again, where South African gamers who reside in or around Johannesburg (or who don’t mind a bit of travel) get all giddy and head to rAge, the country’s premier tech and gaming expo, so see all the things they’ll be playing in the next year.

I’m a little worried about this year – not because I think it’ll be terrible, but rather because of the current heat wave that’s making Johannesburg feel like it’s been kicked in to the sun. Even on a regular day, the Dome – which happens to be shaped like a massive pizza oven – is sweltering. Coupled that with the throngs of people and the weather and it seems that rAge is going to be rather warm.

The lineup of stuff this year isn’t terribly exciting, with there being just a handful of unreleased games available to play (including the amazing Cuphead!) – but it’ll still be a spectacle. The highlight of the whole thing, obviously, will be the Guitar Hero Live battle between Lazygamer and SAGamer where our own Figgy Stardust will prove who’s the better Axe-Wielder; you can see that on the main stage at around 12:20 on Saturday.

It’s a good time for gamers, so you really should be going. Let us know if you are, and also, let us know why you’re not going. And if you are going, especially on the Saturday, be sure to come meet us after rAge at the Hogshead Rock Cottage just up the road from the Dome- where I invite you to not at all, in no way whatsoever poke Darryn with a stick.

Last Updated: October 9, 2015

111 Comments

  1. Ottokie "Yahtzee"

    October 9, 2015 at 10:30

    Best Header EVER!

    Reply

    • Dutch Matrix

      October 9, 2015 at 11:26

      I made it better (refresh)

      Reply

      • Brady miaau

        October 9, 2015 at 11:59

        Different != Better, you know

        OR Different Better, if you prefer.

        Reply

  2. Alien Emperor Trevor

    October 9, 2015 at 10:34

    Yes, don’t poke Darryn with a stick and remember, Geoff loves hugs!

    Reply

  3. WitWolfy

    October 9, 2015 at 10:40

    Might go this afternoon with the family.. Maybe, otherwise next year…

    Reply

    • Brady miaau

      October 9, 2015 at 11:25

      You said a few weeks back, new dad, not sure about the noise and stuff.

      Just curious, you cool with that? I think my kid, at one year, would cope but not very long. BUT she would have loved just starting at everyone and everything. I do worry about the large MKX stands, for example or something like that, cannot control what she sees.

      Just trying to have a conversation, not trying to preach or anything. My thoughts, my opinions.

      Reply

      • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

        October 9, 2015 at 11:33

        I was at a race day at Zwartkops the other day, in the sun, hot as hell, crowded and noisy, supercars screaming past etc. and there were people there with 1 month old babies…To me, rather bring them when they can already say the words describing what they see, it makes it a little simpler(especially having to cart around a pram with the nappy bag and the milk etc.). As far as rage goes, I’d rather arrange something for my wife and baby that I know they’ll enjoy and then go separately to rage… (my son is two and a bit, so this is a bit of my experience)

        Reply

        • Brady miaau

          October 9, 2015 at 11:37

          Oh, 2 and a bit is extremely different!

          I would do the same, go alone. Would be better for all involved.

          I think there is nothing wrong with carting the baby everywhere, if that is how you do it. They adapt so quickly (I know cause I have ONE, right?) that all seems good. Safety and caring, obviously, goes without saying.

          The disturbing imagery worries me a lot. You cannot always protect them from that. And when very young, trying to explain it away is an issue

          Reply

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            October 9, 2015 at 11:43

            That is very true!

            We’re expecting our second one in November… But I’m in full agreement, having tested the grounds of walking everywhere with a pram and the paraphernalia, proved to be a challenge, having to do that at the dome… Climbing a mountain using your tongue as an anchor will be easier…
            I also refuse to play violent video games in front of my child, simply because I don’t want to expose him to it and also because ESRB ratings are there for a reason….

          • Brady miaau

            October 9, 2015 at 11:51

            I do not even, at this stage, watch Star Trek in front of her. Aliens that very close to human will just confuse here, I think.

            BUT, I am such a Sci-Fi nut the poor thing will, by 4, be aware of the important stuff, I am sure! Difference between real and make believe. Hmm. That must be an important developmental milestone.

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            October 9, 2015 at 12:00

            Hehe, that’s good man, we rather read a book to him or have him play with his assortment of toys anyway, it makes it a little easier if you create a routine of eat, bath, meds, books, sleep…

          • Brady miaau

            October 9, 2015 at 12:08

            We use Gentle Parenting, let the little one guide the way. Is interesting, so she sleeps when she is tired, for example. At some stage we will have to start a bedtime, at say 20:00 or something.

            I know we are in the minority, but hey. We also use Cloth Nappies!

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 12:10

            Oh wow man. That’s really interesting.
            I’ve wondered why people don’t use cloth nappies as much anymore. Good to see I’m not the only one who would consider it.
            But I don’t have a child, so I can’t really contribute much else here.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 9, 2015 at 12:16

            I assumed you meant the cloth nappies were for you.

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 12:16

            You’ll never know!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 9, 2015 at 12:18

            Ignorance is bliss. ;P

          • DragonSpirit009

            October 9, 2015 at 12:21

            No… No we don’t really want to know anyway XD

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 12:30

            Haha. Touché

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            October 9, 2015 at 12:17

            With the Sterinappy steriliser en als?! That is impressive! I believe that being a gentle parent helps a lot, even though sometimes you grind your teeth and the concept of “No, you will not be swinging the cat by it’s tail, as it’s not a helicopter” is a concept that is hard to carry over, gently, I can’t bare raising my hand to a child, as it is completely avoidable.

          • Brady miaau

            October 9, 2015 at 12:34

            Nah, these are sophisticated things, we wash them in the machine and tumble dry them later.

            Do not think squares like in the old days, think clever things with inserts, velcro or snaps, that you put on.

          • Brady miaau

            October 9, 2015 at 12:38

            And Gentle Parenting is Effing difficult sometimes. Our job is to keep her safe, teach her boundaries, BUT we do not force things on her. Some of our friends with babies think we are mad hatters.

            do not think our child is spoilt and a brat who gets whatsoever she wants, because she is not and does not. I tell her “No negotiation” and that is it.

            We also read /have read science journals to read what scientists (Neuro and such) say about brain development. It will open your eyes to know what brain development your baby has versus the forcing of the conventional wisdom, my parents (inlaws) and midwife and so forth told us we HAD to follow.

            http://sarahockwell-smith.com/2013/09/22/what-is-gentle-parenting-and-how-is-it-different-to-mainstream-parenting/

            http://theconversation.com/gentle-parenting-explainer-no-rewards-no-punishments-no-misbehaving-kids-31678

          • DragonSpirit009

            October 9, 2015 at 12:20

            Kudos on the cloth nappies man!
            Don’t have a child of my own but I have a lot of friends with kids and they also prefer cloth nappies 80% of the time

      • WitWolfy

        October 9, 2015 at 11:50

        No probs.

        By maybe I meant like this afternoon (should’ve made that clear). Seeing it will def be more quiet than tomorrows OTAKU blowout.. Other wise next year.

        Reply

        • Brady miaau

          October 9, 2015 at 11:53

          true, totally true!

          If you do go, I hope you, the wife and little one enjoy it!

          Reply

          • WitWolfy

            October 9, 2015 at 11:55

            Thanks man.. We so need a dude with a camera strapped to his chest every year live streaming everything. LOL

  4. Alien Emperor Trevor

    October 9, 2015 at 10:42

    I’m not going to rAge because:

    1) It’s in JHB, and I’m not. I only go to that glorified mine dump if I HAVE to, I can’t think of a reason good enough to make me actually WANT to, and rAge isn’t one because…

    2) at events like that I see everything I’m interested in after 5 minutes. I’m not going to stand in queues to try games, don’t give a shit about LANs anymore, and it’s irritating to go through the whole rigmarole and not get anything I like.

    3) Rince is there.

    Reply

    • WitWolfy

      October 9, 2015 at 10:51

      I just go there to remind myself im not such a hardcore gamer I made myself out to be throughout the years.. Seeing some 19 year old walking around in his home made Saiyan suit trying to act like “anime is life.. Anime is religion” . Then tries to get a “gamer girl” by convincing her console ports are superior to PC counterparts… Then in the end failing miserably when trying to play Guitar hero to win her heart.

      I on the other hand always try to turn off the Xbox ones by walking pass them while people are playing, making sure the kinect is hooked up going “Xbox off!”. hehehe I’m so evil!!!!

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        October 9, 2015 at 10:56

        If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that console versions ARE superior to the PC version. ;P

        If someone’s having fun there doing what they’re doing, I’m happy for them.

        Reply

        • Commander JJ of the Normandy

          October 9, 2015 at 11:07

          There were some interesting cosplayers at EGE in Cape Town. You weren’t there, were you? It was nice.

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 9, 2015 at 11:09

            lol. I’m just going to assume the question is unrelated to the last statement.

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 11:10

            Of course it is. -_-

      • oVg

        October 9, 2015 at 11:05

        bwahahahaha WIN

        Reply

    • Commander JJ of the Normandy

      October 9, 2015 at 11:05

      What you said.
      Except for the Rince part.
      He seems to be a safer bet than you these days. ;P

      Reply

  5. HairyEwok

    October 9, 2015 at 10:45

    I’d gladly go to rAge for the day, for the LAN though there’s no chance. The LAN changed into a internet driven gaming session so I might as well just stay at home, know I have a comfy bed to sleep on and eat delicious food that doesn’t cost me a arm and leg.

    Reply

    • Brady miaau

      October 9, 2015 at 11:23

      I know people that have done the LAN every years for years, take today off and do it. They love it, the whole thing, the atmosphere, even the lack of sleep and stuff. I would just not cope.

      Reply

      • Commander JJ of the Normandy

        October 9, 2015 at 12:02

        Last LAN I had was only about three years ago. I enjoyed it a lot.
        But with online gaming now, it’s made things very different. Also a bit easier.

        Reply

  6. Gerhard Davids

    October 9, 2015 at 10:49

    Skipping for the first time in 10 years. (Fuck that can’t be right???)

    I don’t need to see another CoD or Assassins Creed.
    I can also visit the vendors and pay full price all year round with no queues, no reason to do so at rAge.
    There is little point in a LAN anymore.

    Just no reason to go really. Nothing exciting to draw me. I’d rather use that time to actually game.

    Reply

    • Dutch Matrix

      October 9, 2015 at 11:02

      What you said.

      Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 9, 2015 at 11:28

      That’s something SA retailers need to figure out – people expect deals at events. It’s like going to a factory shop & all the stuff is the same price as the retail outlet.

      Reply

      • Gerhard Davids

        October 9, 2015 at 11:38

        And that used to be a thing!

        I always loved when they had flash sales… got up on a table, yelled item X is going for Rxxx.xx for the next 5 minutes or for the next (n) units.

        Or just auctioned some stuff out loud from the stand.
        They had crowds for days, people loved it. It was both entertaining to watch and there were some nice deals.

        Reply

      • Brady miaau

        October 9, 2015 at 11:38

        I used to got to the computer show each year (Comdex or something, the big one) but they stopped, years ago, providing true deals and stepped up the campaign to show they were doing good deals.

        Reply

    • oVg

      October 9, 2015 at 11:47

      But just think of all those Quiet cosplayers.

      Reply

      • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

        October 9, 2015 at 11:57

        I see where you’re going with this…

        Reply

  7. Greylingad[CNFRMD]

    October 9, 2015 at 10:50

    I’ll be going tomorrow, not sure how long I’ll be there, yes, it’ll be hot, hellishly hot and crowded, but I’d love to meet the Lagz crew, you guys are, after all, my source of daily entertainment!

    Reply

    • Splooshypooh

      October 9, 2015 at 11:00

      I’m a bit sceptical of going to Hogshead, wont know anyone. Suppose after a few drinks it might be easier to say hi

      Reply

      • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

        October 9, 2015 at 11:05

        Well, even if you don’t know anyone, I’m sure with the crew there and like-minded folk, it should be easy to slot in and start chatting to anyone and everyone, after all, we are a gaming community, who loves to play games…

        Reply

      • Geoffrey Tim

        October 9, 2015 at 11:05

        Wont know anyone when you get there. will know people when you leave.

        Reply

        • Splooshypooh

          October 9, 2015 at 11:07

          Could just sit under the benches and try trolling the conversation from there 😛

          Reply

        • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

          October 9, 2015 at 11:11

          AND.. People + People + beer= great conversations and a night to remember
          People + People + tequila=horrid mess up of a night needed to be forgotten, quickly…

          Reply

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 11:13

            I’m not allowed to drink tequila anymore because of that very reason.

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            October 9, 2015 at 11:22

            You and me both… The last time I had tequila, I remember I…I could swear I could remember it a minute ago… Oh…ok, no, I remember why that’s a suppressed memory now….

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 11:59

            Haha.
            My last time was at a work year-end thing for the previous company I worked for.
            Turns out Tequila makes me believe I am a rapper, and I proceeded to start a rap about why our company is better than our competitor. Tequila certainly gives you balls, I’ll give it that.

          • Brady miaau

            October 9, 2015 at 12:01

            Um. Ok. Bravery, is it then?

            BUT Tequila can certainly leave you catatonic and in a state where, weeks later, you drink one shot and your body sort of rebels against, as it hits. Happened to me and some other people I know.

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 12:03

            Oh wow.
            I usually have trouble speaking in front of more than three people, so it certainly does help with bravery.

          • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

            October 9, 2015 at 12:02

            Hahaha!!! The last thing I remember was ordering a Jalapeno tequila….from there everything was a fiery blur….

          • Splooshypooh

            October 9, 2015 at 11:19

            Now i’m excited 😀

    • Splooshypooh

      October 9, 2015 at 11:25

      Just remember to rather buy your tickets online, last year me and the gf skipped the que straight and entered the door no problems.

      Reply

      • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

        October 9, 2015 at 11:27

        Aah, thanks for the heads up, I’ll definitely go that route…

        Reply

        • Splooshypooh

          October 9, 2015 at 11:29

          Hope it still works the same, but the consensus seems to usually be: I’ll just buy tickets at the door. Then que for 2 hours in this sun? No thanks

          Reply

  8. Geoffrey Tim

    October 9, 2015 at 10:51

    Here’s a compelling reason to go

    https://www.cna.co.za/rage-expo

    Reply

    • HairyEwok

      October 9, 2015 at 10:53

      PS4 for 4k, thats a really great deal, too bad my wallet had to get into the sea.

      Reply

    • Ottokie "Yahtzee"

      October 9, 2015 at 10:57

      T.T

      That PS4 deal is epic

      Reply

    • Splooshypooh

      October 9, 2015 at 11:01

      So cheaps!

      Reply

    • oVg

      October 9, 2015 at 11:09

      Got o admit, CNA have always been a reliable gaming source since before BT hit our shores. Everytime I try to find a game at a mall I always end up at CNA.

      Reply

      • Commander JJ of the Normandy

        October 9, 2015 at 11:09

        Me too.
        And CNA is still the cheapest, even now.

        Reply

        • oVg

          October 9, 2015 at 11:12

          and they always give you a sealed copy. I had to explain myself to a Musica employee once about why I wanted a sealed copy of the game. I just told him it was a gift and I dont want my friend to think that I am giving him a SECOND HAND GAME 🙁

          Reply

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 11:13

            Musica is pretty much dead for pc gamers. Here and there you might find something, but not likely.
            With the exchange rate where it is, physical copies are now becoming an option again for pc gamers. So CNA and BT has been seeing more of me.

      • The Sten

        October 9, 2015 at 11:13

        I like CNA because you can buy games on your Edgars account for when you’re a bit tight on cash.

        Reply

        • Brady miaau

          October 9, 2015 at 11:22

          Ah, but is there interest or not? My edgars account is six months, no interest. Then, I feel ok, if strapped AND it is cheaper or the same price at CNA. Which it often is.

          Reply

    • WitWolfy

      October 9, 2015 at 11:15

      That Uncharted collection for R550 is looking pretty fine… At BT its like full retail

      Reply

      • oVg

        October 9, 2015 at 11:25

        The fans are praising the 60fps. It makes a MASSIVE difference to the gameplay 🙂

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          October 9, 2015 at 11:26

          Can you even see the difference? *run*

          Reply

          • oVg

            October 9, 2015 at 11:29

            According to the majority of gamers they cant tell the difference between 20fps and 120fps. They just play. They don’t seem to care.

          • WitWolfy

            October 9, 2015 at 11:58

            Glad I’m not the only one…

        • WitWolfy

          October 9, 2015 at 11:59

          Fans will praise it regardless.. It is a ND game after all… Might get it, if its at that price…

          Reply

  9. Norm

    October 9, 2015 at 10:51

    Sea for me please.

    Reply

  10. Gardos

    October 9, 2015 at 11:02

    Hey everyone. It’s my birthday today. CLAP FOR ME!!!

    Reply

  11. Brady miaau

    October 9, 2015 at 11:21

    I’s hot, busy, too many people. I would say I am getting old, but 18 Years ago I would have said, I’s hot, busy, too many people

    Not my thing. Been to the Good Food and Wine show at the Dome, was hot, so hot. Stuffy, so stuffy Gallagher all the way please for shows like that.

    Reply

    • Dutch Matrix

      October 9, 2015 at 11:27

      I am kinda holding thumbs for next year at Gallagher…

      Reply

      • Brady miaau

        October 9, 2015 at 11:30

        I doubt it. Always, the dome. Perhaps price, perhaps Gallagher just does not like the LAN and the 24 hours people thing

        Reply

        • Dutch Matrix

          October 9, 2015 at 11:33

          Then I guess Rage will never see me in their lifetime.

          Reply

  12. Greylingad[CNFRMD]

    October 9, 2015 at 11:25

    It’ll actually be my first time at rage this year, I’m usually more of a music festival guy….

    Reply

    • Brady miaau

      October 9, 2015 at 11:52

      Hot, busy, too many people! 🙂

      Reply

    • WitWolfy

      October 9, 2015 at 12:41

      The ironic thing about rage when I was there the first time was all those “Say no to piracy” posters around every corner.. And behind that, a massive LAN group downloading pirated games on a 1GB bit internet line like there was no tomorrow..

      Made me chuckle a bit..

      Reply

  13. Matthew Holliday

    October 9, 2015 at 11:39

    not going to spend thousands of rands to fly up and arrange accomadation for rAge.
    cape town water is too cold.

    what do?

    Reply

  14. DragonSpirit009

    October 9, 2015 at 11:53

    Reason’s why I’m not going:
    1. I have no money
    2. I still have no money
    3. Big crowds actually scare me
    4. I don’t like heat
    5. I like where I am at the moment

    Reply

    • Brady miaau

      October 9, 2015 at 11:54

      3.
      5.
      4.

      in order. But 5 is BECAUSE of 4

      Reply

      • DragonSpirit009

        October 9, 2015 at 11:58

        I think even if I had money I still wouldn’t go! I don’t like doing stuff alone. It freaks me out!

        Reply

    • Commander JJ of the Normandy

      October 9, 2015 at 12:01

      I would actually really enjoy that heat now, but I’m also not one for crowds.
      Also…I’m with you there on point 1 and 2

      Reply

      • DragonSpirit009

        October 9, 2015 at 12:03

        You would enjoy the heat now?! Nee ou daar is iets fout met jou!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          October 9, 2015 at 12:04

          You need to understand, he’s from Durban. He even thinks CT oceans are cold.

          Reply

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 12:06

            CT oceans are freezing.
            I only get into them when the Sharks are on the land.

          • DragonSpirit009

            October 9, 2015 at 12:08

            Yeah I agree with that! The CT oceans are freezing.
            Just yesterday took a little dip. Basically just put my foot in the water and turned around back to my car shivering.

        • Commander JJ of the Normandy

          October 9, 2015 at 12:05

          Hehe.
          I quite like the heat. Where I grew up as a child it hit 50 in high summer. That said, after living in the Western Cape for the majority of my life I probably wouldn’t survive it. Though I would die happily, at least 😉

          Reply

          • DragonSpirit009

            October 9, 2015 at 12:09

            Not a fan of the heat. I can handle it but not a fan.
            Living in a house where my mum has like threes stoves on in the middle of summer in Wellington is heat exhaustion on it’s own

          • Commander JJ of the Normandy

            October 9, 2015 at 12:11

            Well, Wellington does get pretty darn hot in summer. So that I can understand.

          • Brady miaau

            October 9, 2015 at 12:42

            spent a wonderful week there at a guesthouse in December one year. It was hot. Wow.

          • Brady miaau

            October 9, 2015 at 12:43

            I was in BonnieVale in 2012. Car said 50. We thought it was broken. Stopped to put in petrol and eat. Car was not lying. April a few years back. Bloody hell indeed

    • WitWolfy

      October 9, 2015 at 12:50

      Wanna hear something funny? Back in I think it was 2008 or 09.. It was scorching as hell that day, AS PER USUAL! and me and my wife went into this one expensive PC parts shop where they sold like PSU, GPU’s ect ect ect.. And this one PSU caught my eye. The dude took it out of its glass case and let me take a closer look at it…

      At this time I’m sweating on my forehead like a MOFO on heat man… And as I’m holding this device I ask the sales dude “how much does it cost?” and he’s like “R3500.” and as he says that I start sweating in to the power supply’s vents… Drop by drop, and the guy looks at me like all Shocked as if to say.. “OH NO YOU DIDNT JUST DO THATR!!!.. So I hastily gave him the PSU back contaminated now a few of my forehead sweat and just quickly paced away!

      Reply

    • VampyreSquirrel

      October 9, 2015 at 13:08

      I relate to options 1, 2 and 4.

      Reply

  15. David Weatherhead

    October 9, 2015 at 12:50

    I see plenty of people not going because same old, same old and such… I think people focus too much on the vendors and the big publisher games…
    Take a moment to go to:
    the home_code stand, or
    the NAG Jam games at the Intel stand, or
    the Artist Alley (local art, hand made products and cosplay), or
    the stands for schools offering game dev and design courses (they are showing student games and work too), and
    of course the local publications’ stands (where the best journos are at 😛 ).

    Locally we are producing great content and all those people will be happy to chat to you and get your opinions and feedback.

    That’s why I am going. The last few years has seen a solid growth in SA’s local industry in the geek and game culture. If you aren’t going because it’ just the next CoD, or Assassins Creed, or FIFA, then go for the local stuff and see things that you may have otherwise completely missed.

    Reply

  16. VampyreSquirrel

    October 9, 2015 at 13:04

    I’m going to GITFP (get in the f’ing pool) because it’s too damn hot and the aircons in the Dome aren’t that good 😛

    Reply

  17. Lardus-For the Emperor!

    October 9, 2015 at 15:27

    Was a bit underwhelming, but there are cool things to see and some good specials.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Friday Debate: Are online conventions a welcome stand-in or lacklustre substitute?

Pivot! Pivot! 2020 was a year for responding rapidly to change. In the case of gaming expo…